Embassy News

President says bomb attack must not divert UN efforts in Iraq2003-08-20 12:05:04

Nicosia, Aug 20 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos sent today a letter of condolences to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan regarding the bomb attack which devastated the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on Tuesday, killing 24 people and wounding scores.

''It was with great shock and distress that I was informed of the attack on UN Headquarters in Iraq and the loss of so many lives, including that of your Special Representative and close associate and dear friend Sergio Vieira De Mello'', Papadopoulos writes.|

Ιn his letter Papadopoulos notes ''this cowardly attack must not be allowed to divert the efforts of the UN and the international community from its mission of assisting the Iraqi people in their quest for rebuilding their shuttered country''.

''The UN in this difficult time'', Papadopoulos says, ''must preserve and continue its noble endeavor. Let me assure you of our full and unwavering support in this trying times''.

Papadopoulos also conveys to Annan the Cyprus government's most sincere and heartfelt condolences.